Thomas Edison Elementary School fifth graders partnered with Port Chester High School students to solve a variety of mathematical challenges on June 11. A group of 23 fifth graders from Carrie Poulos’ class visited the high school to work with teacher Anton Raskin’s Advanced Placement Calculus students.

The enrichment activity was designed to empower students with the essential skills needed for higher-level math, nurturing an appreciation for math and science and an understanding of how math and science are related in the real world. Designed by the high school students, the activities challenged the fifth graders to coordinate plane plotting, use advanced formulas to find the area of various shapes and basic calculus formulas to solve problems for slope and speed.

“Some of the high school students programmed their own video games to make these math activities more engaging for the fifth graders,” special education teacher Colleen Cahill said. “The students enjoyed this special activity, and it was so much more meaningful to be able to do it in person. Several of the fifth graders said it was their favorite field trip this year.”

Earlier in the school year, the fifth graders virtually connected with the high school students as part of the program. As a culmination to their work, they met in person under the guidance of Cahill, Poulos and Raskin, who collaborated to create the Buddy Class, intertwining the realms of math and science and providing the younger students with exposure to higher-level math concepts. The three teachers received a grant through the Wipro Science Education Fellowship Program at Mercy University, further supporting their mission to provide students with enriching educational experiences.

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Date Added: 6/27/2024

With more than 100 ties donated, a group of Port Chester High School students learned a valuable skill – how to tie a tie – at their school on June 5-6. Organized by the high school guidance department, the two-day Knots for Knowledge event was designed to help graduating seniors feel confident and dress for success.

“Our school community’s contributions have undoubtedly left a lasting impression on our students, instilling confidence and knowledge,” Department Chairperson Vanessa Clay-Williams said. “Their support and generosity have made a significant impact in the lives of our young men and women.”

Special thanks to the dedicated volunteers who generously shared their time and expertise in teaching the students the art of tying a tie and showcasing various styles.

“Their commitment to empowering our students with essential knowledge is truly commendable,” Clay-Williams said.

Principal Luke Sotherden said he cherishes watching these moments with students.

“It is such a joy to be a positive male role model for students and teach the minutiae of professionalism when the opportunities present themselves,” Sotherden said.

Date Added: 6/18/2024

A group of Port Chester High School students gained valuable lifesaving skills when they got certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation June 6. Throughout the training, they were taught how to respond in emergencies, recognize signs of cardiac arrest, how to do CPR, use an automated external defibrillator and help adults, children or infants who are choking.

“Learning CPR is a valuable life-saving skill that can make a difference in an emergency,” said teacher Alexander Miller, who organized the experience for his students. “My hope is that students learned how to respond in an emergency and build a sense of confidence, as well as to see the connections between content they’ve learned in class and how that knowledge is used to help someone.”

The students from Miller’s International Baccalaureate Biology class were trained by certified CPR instructors from the Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook Emergency Medical Service, led by training coordinator Michael Wellington and three high school interns. They received their certification through the American Heart Association.

Senior Allegra Burke, who has been an EMS for a year and a half and plans on pursuing the medical field beyond high school, said it’s an amazing feeling to be able to save someone’s life.

“Even if it’s making [someone] feel the smallest bit better, it’s always rewarding,” Burke said.

Senior Lennon Anderson, who got certified in CPR by taking the course, reflected on the experience and gaining a valuable life skill of potentially being able to save someone’s life.

“It’s important that you’re able to step in and help someone,” Anderson said. “You never know when these skills will come in handy, and you don’t want to be caught in a moment where you could have saved someone’s life but you didn’t take the course, so you don’t know what to do.”

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Date Added: 6/12/2024

Members of Port Chester Middle School and Port Chester High School’s music department earned top awards at New York State School Music Association’s Majors Festival, held at Walter Panas High School.

Port Chester High School’s concert choir earned a gold rating, Port Chester Middle School’s sixth grade chorus earned a gold rating, Port Chester’s seventh grade chorus earned a silver rating, and Port Chester Middle School’s select band earned a silver rating. The high school concert choir is led by choral director Jonathan Pereira, the middle school chorus is led by choral director Mark Zizolfo, and the middle school band is led by band director Linda McDermott.

“Unlike a traditional competition where students compete against others, NYSSMA focuses on individual performance and musicianship,” Pereira said. “What stood out the most about our performance was the students’ technical proficiency, musical expression and overall presentation. The criteria for earning a gold rating typically includes aspects like tone quality, intonation, rhythm, interpretation and technique.”

Date Added: 6/7/2024

Three talented Port Chester High School students have been selected as winners of the Port Chester Arts Festival’s poster competition. They were challenged to create a poster celebrating and promoting the town of Port Chester, the arts and the young talent residing in the community ahead of the festival, which will be held on June 1.

Sophomore Carmen Montoya earned first place and a $200 prize, sophomore Elizabeth Campos earned second place and a $100 prize, and junior Yesli Posadas earned third place and a $50 prize.

“It’s valuable for our students to connect with the art community beyond our school walls, and the PCAF competition provides them with an opportunity to continue doing that,” art teacher Erik Maniscalco said. “I’m endlessly impressed with the creativity displayed by our students at Port Chester High School and their great enthusiasm for the arts.”

The Port Chester Arts Festival celebrates the arts groups and artists that make Port Chester a creative hub, according to its website. All events on June 1 will be free and open to the public, including exhibitions, open studios, workshops, performances and pop-up installations.

The student work is displayed at www.portchesterarts.com.

Date Added: 5/24/2024